All-in-one kitchen machine buying guide

Are you married to a chef?

Yes? Lucky you! To those who answered no, you might be interested in one of these little numbers. Who needs a bench full of clumsy kitchen contraptions to chop, beat, mix, whip, grind, knead, mince, grate, juice, blend, heat, stir and steam, when you can get a single, overachieving multi-functional unit that does it all? It's almost as good as having someone cook for you.

Does it wash up afterwards?

Well, no. But it can do almost everything else. It's great if you tend to be juggling a million things at once. So while you're breaking up an argument between the kids, this contraption is making sure the risotto doesn't burn.

We've tested a number of these all-in-one kitchen machines and of course ease-of-use is really important when you're preparing a meal and trying to cut down on your contributions to the swear jar, but with an appliance that can do this many things, performance is the first consideration.

Video: How to buy the best all-in-one kitchen appliance

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How does the expensive Thermomix compare to the rest?

Germany launched the Thermomix back in the 1960s but it didn't make its way to the Australian market until the turn of the century. By then it had been streamlined and refined, and could perform the work of 10 separate appliances. It even had inbuilt scales! A chef doesn't even have inbuilt scales!

There are a number of competitors looking to outdo the original Thermomix at a lower price, so check our test results to find out whether these up-and-comers can truly cut it, or whether the Thermomix really is still the all-round champ, deserving of its hefty price tag.

I feel much better about not marrying a chef, now. What else do I need to know?

Noise

Most all-in-ones are fairly noisy at high speeds, and only a little less noisy at low speeds – you might want to test it out in the shop before you commit.

Safety

Some bowls can get prettyhot during cooking so handle with care!

Controls

The controls should be easy to use and comprehend with clear labelling and/or bright digital display.

Inbuilt scale

This allows you to weigh food as you go.

Instructions

Theinstructionsshould be detailed and comprehensive, especially if you haven't used this type of appliance before. They should also come with a range of recipes to get you started.

Attachments

As few attachments as possible makes storage easier and cooking simpler.

Handles

Look forcomfortable handles that are well-insulated. The handles can get hot after long cooking periods and the bowls can get heavy with a full load.

Cleaning

The surfaces should be easy to clean, with few cracks and crevices where food can become trapped.